Mannin - Drug and alcohol policy 'on the rocks'

The body responsible for tackling drug and alcohol abuse on the Isle of Man has hit back at what it describes as "unfounded claims in the media about alcohol misuse here".

However, the agency seems to be somewhat out of touch with reality as all the indicators from both the Courts, the annual report of the Constabulary and what people see with their own eyes point to a growing problem and the failure of government policies to address the issue.

It appears that over a decade of glossy leaflets, reports and committee meetings has failed to reverse the tide of a social degeneration that effects not just Mann but most other Celtic countries.

The Isle of Man has something called 'the Chief Ministers Drug and Alcohol Strategy'. In 2005 the (then) Chief Minister said:

"The consequences of drug and alcohol misuse cannot be underestimated - the devastating consequences which impact not just on the individual or family members but also, on the community as a whole. In the Island we recognised this five years ago when we introduced separate drug and alcohol strategies to outline plans to reduce the harm to the community. Since then significant progress has been made under the education, prevention, treatment and support and criminal justice pillars. However, as we all know no solution has been found anywhere min the world."

Three years on its clear that "no solution" has materialised in Mann.

It is past time the Islands Chief Minister had the good grace to admit his policies to address this social blight have been unsuccesful and carry out an audit of the policy, its cost and its failure!

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J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League

29/03/08